By - May 1, 2018

Publix Serves: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, SOS Children’s Village

One day can affect your life forever

Firsts. We all remember them. For me, the first time I drove. The first pet I owned. The first job I had (front service clerk). And now, the first Publix Serves events I attended.

On April 3, I had the honor of visiting two events in the Miami Division: SOS Children’s Village and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Most of the associates I talked with throughout the day were just like me — experiencing this for the first time. The excitement they had was infectious, and the dedication they showed was impressive.

When I asked why they wanted to participate, they shared that giving back to the community was the best thing we can do, because we do more than sell groceries. And I couldn’t agree with them more.

At the end of the day, when I reflected on the people and organizations we helped, I felt overwhelmed. Take a moment to think about it. We had more than 5,700 associates volunteer at over 150 local nonprofit organizations in one day. Just imagine how many people every year are impacted by all of us. The firsts I experienced with my Publix family last month will stay with me forever. I hope each of you finds the opportunity to give back. It’s an amazingly rewarding experience.

You know, sometimes everyday life gets in the way of remembering what’s truly important. I’m blessed to have a wonderful family. I’m blessed to have a great job at a fantastic company. And I’m blessed to have a chance to help my community. It truly is great to be Publix.


Online exclusive

Check out these Publix Serves pictures from around the company.

About Publix Serves

Publix Serves launched in 2015 as our community program that unites us in community service efforts. Publix leaders, starting with our CEO & President Todd Jones, join our associates throughout the company to make a difference in our communities. You can find pictures of some of our events above, and you can search the hashtag #PublixServes to see the stories that were shared socially.

Read more stories about Publix Serves.